News

Padiham sword man was upset with wife

A MAN upset that his wife had left him walked down a street in Padiham holding a sword on Christmas Day, a court was told.

John Owens, 56, also smashed a window at the house of his wife, Beverley Owens, in Palmerston Street, Padiham.

Owens, who used to live in Burnley but is now living in Chandlery Way, Stretford, turned up at the house at about 9.30am on Christmas Day.

Burnley magistrates heard he had become upset his marriage was over and that Mrs Owens was now seeing someone else.

About two hours later he smashed a double-glazed window at the house, and was seen by two children walking down the street holding what was described as a ‘ceremonial sword’, although it was never used during the incident.

During the incident, Mrs Owens left the house and had managed to get in her car and drive away from the scene, with Owens attempting to hit out at the vehicle.

The court was told Owens had turned up at his wife’s place of work, Kitchens Garage, two days before Christmas, threatening Mrs Owens and her new partner.

He also asked the garage manager what the policy was on relationships between staff members.

Owens pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed item, criminal damage, and using threatening or abusive behaviour.